Viktor simply rolled his eyes at the snappy remark about his dressing habits, allowing the clothes to fall back to the ground. "Bashful? No. Aware that nudity isn't really appropriate in public? Yes." He growled, half tempted to tackle her then and there in response to the swat. "And I would have come down here more often but I've been keeping pretty busy. Someone has to babysit the drunks." He sighed, unable to say that the real reason he hadn't been around was in fear of this very confrontaion, although with a much gloomier outlook.
A race sounded fun though, although speed was never one of his strong points. Most of his time spent working out involved sparring or weights so while he packed a mean punch, he was far from the fastest kelvic in the watch. Then again, the distance between the port and the barracks could work in my favor. She may be faster, but with my endurance, I might just be able to over take her just before we reach the gates. "Alright, you're on! On 'Go'." A new idea popped into his head and with it came a guarantee of success.
Viktor concentrated on controlling his breathing, the last thing he wanted was a cramp halfway through. "Three, two, one," He paused a moment for dramatic effect, "Go"! He started falling behind before they even left the docks, just as he had suspected he would, partially because he still had to pick up his clothing. He tried to push himself as close to sprinting as possible without burning up all his energy too quickly. He was able to keep the pair insight, weaving around various crates, people, and other obstacles. Things nearly ended by a cart which Viktor nearly slammed straight into as it was pulled through the market. He managed to slide on his stomach under it, leaving behind a bit of speed and a very shaken merchant. He was slowly gaining and as the barracks was in sight they were neck and neck. If not for the labored breathing he would have made of some witty comment about a story involving a rodent and a reptile. instead, as he slowly pulled ahead, dumping his reserves into reaching the gates first, he managed to shake his rear a little in a taunting gesture. This slight disturbance in his stride threw him off balance. His paws shot out from under him, sending him sliding face first towards what would have been the funniest victory ever, had he not come grinding to a halt mere inches before the finish line.
He could only watch as a split second later Fianna stole the win. Sure, he had technically let her win, but there was no way he would admit it. Besides, it set him up for what he was about to say, his clothes sliding back to the ground. "You're lucky I slipped! I was going easy on you!" He used the bravado to try and shred any thoughts of him losing on purpose. "Alright, you won. But I'll tell you what, instead of dinner, how about I escort you to the Departure festival?" He took a deep breath, before finally getting to the point. "Before you answer, just hear me out. You remember back to the day when you told me you had found Coren? I had said I wanted to say something as well, but then said it was nothing. I wouldn't be shocked if you didn't, it was a while ago and they were small details given the excitement but..." His growls grew hushed as he tried to figure out how to continue. "What I wanted to tell you back then, and even now. I've been in love with you since I as far back as I can remember. I chickened out that day, but I'm tired of keeping it a secret. Fianna, I love you." He managed an embarrassed smile. It was unnerving bringing his feelings up like that, even more so that now all he could do was wait and see how she would react. He sat back on his haunches, more from mental exhaustion than physical.